The project, an adaptation of the autobiography of Chris Kyle, previously had Steven Spielberg attached to direct. It retains star Bradley Cooper, fresh from an Oscar-nomination for last year's Silver Linings Playbook, in the dual role of lead actor and producer. Eastwood is said to be in talks with studio Warner Bros.

Kyle was hailed as the deadliest sniper in US military history, with 160 confirmed kills prior to his departure from the armed forces in 2009. He was shot dead at a firing range earlier this year by a fellow veteran he and a friend were trying to help deal with his experiences in the military.

Spielberg departed American Sniper earlier this month over budgetary issues. Producers are clearly aiming to line up a replacement with similar awards season credentials. As a film-maker, Eastwood has four Oscar wins and four nominations for his movies Unforgiven, Mystic River, Million Dollar Baby and Letter From Iwo Jima, all in the best director and best film categories.